Stamford Eparchy Clergy Gather for Spring Clergy Days 2026
The clergy of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Stamford gathered June 1–3 at the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians Don Bosco Retreat Center in Stony Point, New York, for the annual Spring Clergy Days, which this year focused on the theme “The Holy Sacraments of Our Church.”
The gathering provided an opportunity for prayer, continuing formation, fraternity, and discussion of important pastoral initiatives within the Eparchy.
The principal presenter for the Clergy Days was Very Rev. Archpriest Teodor Czabala, Pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Johnson City, New York, who also serves as Administrator in St. Nicholas in Elmira Heights, NY and Ascension Church in Sayre, PA. He offered a series of conferences exploring the foundational elements of the Divine Liturgy and the Holy Mysteries. Through engaging presentations and discussions, Fr. Czabala examined the theological meaning and structure of the Church’s liturgical life, encouraging the clergy to celebrate the Holy Mysteries with dignity, fidelity to the liturgical tradition, and careful attention to the rubrics.
A highlight of the gathering was the celebration of the Divine Liturgy on Tuesday morning, presided over by Most Rev. Paul Chomnycky, OSBM, together with the priest jubilarians of the Eparchy. During the Liturgy, the homily was delivered by Very. Rev. Mitered Priest Michael Bundz, Pastor of St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Catholic Church in Utica, New York, who shared his personal vocation story.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the clergy gathered with Bishop Paul and the jubilarians for the traditional annual group photograph.
The final conference was presented by Very Rev. Bohdan Tymchyshyn, Rector of St. Basil Seminary, who introduced the Eparchial Pre-Cana Marriage Preparation Program scheduled to begin this summer. Fr. Tymchyshyn outlined the goals and structure of the initiative, which seeks to strengthen marriage preparation throughout the Eparchy and provide engaged couples with a solid spiritual and practical foundation for Christian family life.
The Spring Clergy Days concluded with a celebratory dinner in honor of the jubilarian priests, recognizing their years of faithful service to Christ, His Church, and the people entrusted to their pastoral care.
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